# Edward Drinker Cope > American paleontologist, geologist, and biologist (1840–1897) **Wikidata**: [Q298933](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q298933) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Drinker_Cope) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/edward-drinker-cope ## Summary Edward Drinker Cope was born on July 28, 1840, in Philadelphia.[1][2][3] He held United States citizenship. His religion was Quakers.[4]He worked as a geologist, paleontologist, zoologist, university teacher, ichthyologist, and anatomist. His field was paleontology. He was employed by the University of Pennsylvania.He received the Bigsby Medal and the Hayden Memorial Geological Award. He was a member of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities, the National Academy of Sciences, the Megatherium Club, and the American Philosophical Society.[5] He was married to Annie Pim Cope.[4] He died on April 12, 1897, in Philadelphia.[6][1][7][2]. ## Summary Edward Drinker Cope (1840–1897) was an American paleontologist, geologist, and biologist who made foundational contributions to the study of extinct vertebrates in North America. He is recognized as one of the most prolific fossil discoverers of the 19th century and a central figure in the "Bone Wars," a period of intense paleontological rivalry with Othniel Charles Marsh. ## Biography - Born: July 28, 1840 - Nationality: United States - Education: Self-taught and university-affiliated; no formal degree mentioned - Known for: Discovering and naming over 1,000 species of extinct animals, particularly vertebrates - Employer(s): University of Pennsylvania, American Philosophical Society, National Academy of Sciences - Field(s): Paleontology, geology, biology, herpetology, ichthyology, anatomy, botany, zoology, exploration ## Contributions Edward Drinker Cope was a pioneering figure in American natural science, contributing significantly to paleontology, geology, and biology. His most notable achievements include: - Discovery and naming of over 1,000 extinct vertebrate species, including dinosaurs, reptiles, and fish. - Authoring numerous scientific papers and monographs, including foundational works in *Copeia*, a journal he co-founded. - Participation in the "Bone Wars" with rival Othniel Charles Marsh, which led to the discovery of many new dinosaur species. - Publication of extensive field notes and fossil descriptions that remain influential in vertebrate paleontology. - Leadership in the American scientific community as a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Philosophical Society, and the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities. - Contributions to the understanding of evolutionary biology and fossil record documentation. ## FAQs ### What is Edward Drinker Cope known for? Edward Drinker Cope is known for his extensive work in paleontology, particularly for discovering and naming over 1,000 species of extinct animals. He was a key figure in the "Bone Wars" with Othniel Charles Marsh, which significantly advanced the field of vertebrate paleontology in the United States. ### Where did Edward Drinker Cope work? Cope was affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania, where he conducted research and taught. He was also a member of several prestigious institutions, including the National Academy of Sciences and the American Philosophical Society. ### What were his major scientific contributions? Cope's major contributions include the discovery and description of numerous extinct species, particularly in North American paleontology. He also co-founded the journal *Copeia*, participated in the "Bone Wars," and published extensively on paleontological and biological topics. ### Did Edward Drinker Cope receive any awards? Yes, he was honored with the Bigsby Medal, a British geology award, and the Hayden Memorial Geological Award, recognizing his contributions to geology and paleontology. ### What fields did Edward Drinker Cope work in? Cope worked in multiple scientific disciplines including paleontology, geology, biology, ichthyology, herpetology, anatomy, and botany. He was also a university teacher and explorer. ## Why They Matter Edward Drinker Cope is a pivotal figure in the history of American science, particularly in paleontology and natural history. His work laid the foundation for modern vertebrate paleontology in the United States, and his rivalry with Othniel Charles Marsh led to the discovery of many iconic North American dinosaurs. His extensive cataloging of extinct species and fieldwork significantly advanced scientific understanding of prehistoric life. Cope's legacy includes not only his discoveries but also his influence on the institutionalization of paleontology in the U.S., particularly through his association with the National Academy of Sciences and the American Philosophical Society. His writings and explorations continue to inform modern paleontological research. ## Notable For - Discovering over 1,000 extinct vertebrate species - Co-founding the journal *Copeia* - Being a central figure in the "Bone Wars" with Othniel Charles Marsh - Receiving the Bigsby Medal and the Hayden Memorial Geological Award - Being a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Philosophical Society - Prolific author of scientific papers and monographs on paleontology and natural history - Contributions to multiple scientific fields including paleontology, geology, and biology ## Body ### Early Life and Career Edward Drinker Cope was born on July 28, 1840, in the United States. He was a self-taught naturalist who became one of the most influential paleontologists of the 19th century. He was affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania and was a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Philosophical Society, and the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities. ### Scientific Contributions Cope's work spanned multiple disciplines, including: - Paleontology: Discovery and naming of over 1,000 extinct species - Geology: Contributions to stratigraphic and fossil studies - Biology: Research in herpetology, ichthyology, and comparative anatomy - Exploration: Fieldwork that expanded knowledge of North American prehistoric life ### Publications and Discoveries Cope was a prolific author and researcher. He co-founded the journal *Copeia* in 1913, which became a significant publication in ichthyology and herpetology. His extensive field notes and monographs remain valuable resources in paleontological research. ### Awards and Recognition Cope received the Bigsby Medal, a British geology award, and the Hayden Memorial Geological Award, both recognizing his contributions to geology and paleontology. He was also a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Philosophical Society, institutions that played a key role in advancing American science. ### Legacy and Influence Cope's influence extended beyond his discoveries. He helped establish paleontology as a rigorous scientific field in the United States. His work laid the foundation for future research in vertebrate paleontology, and his rivalry with Othniel Charles Marsh, known as the "Bone Wars," led to the discovery of many new species and significantly shaped the field. ### Affiliations Cope was associated with several key institutions: - University of Pennsylvania, where he conducted research and taught - National Academy of Sciences, where he was a member - American Philosophical Society, a learned society that influenced American science - Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities, an international scientific body ### Field of Work Cope's work encompassed: - Paleontology: Study of ancient life through fossils - Geology: Understanding Earth's history through fossil records - Biology: Broadly contributing to the understanding of vertebrate evolution - Ichthyology: Specialization in fish species, both living and extinct - Herpetology: Study of reptiles and amphibians - Anatomy: Comparative studies of vertebrate structures - Botany: Some contributions to plant science - Exploration: Fieldwork across the United States to discover fossils ### Personal Details - Born: July 28, 1840 - Died: April 12, 1897 - Nationality: American - Citizenship: United States Cope's life and work remain a cornerstone of American paleontology and natural history, influencing generations of scientists and continuing to shape the field today. ## References 1. BnF authorities 2. Integrated Authority File 3. Evolutionary theoretician Edward D. Cope: a Quaker perspective 4. Bionomia 5. International Standard Name Identifier 6. Virtual International Authority File 7. CiNii Research 8. [Source](https://siarchives.si.edu/featured-topics/megatherium/introduction) 9. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 10. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie 11. Croatian Encyclopedia 12. SNAC 13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 14. Golden 15. [Bionomia](https://bionomia.net/dataset/d415c253-4d61-4459-9d25-4015b9084fb0)